School exclusions rise by 11 per cent

The number of permanent exclusions from
primary, secondary and special schools has increased by 11 per
cent, according to the latest government statistics.

In
2000-1, there were 9,210 exclusions. The highest rise was in
primary schools, where expulsions rose by 19 per cent on the
previous year. Exclusions in secondary schools rose by 10 per cent
in the same period.

However, the number of pupils who
were excluded from special schools fell by 11 per cent, from 384 to
340 in 2000-1.

According to the figures, 61 per
cent of permanent expulsions were for pupils aged between 13 and
15. The majority of children excluded are boys, who account for 83
per cent.

Education secretary Estelle
Morris said: “Exclusion is a last resort and is only used with good
reason. Our priority is to support head teachers who have to make
difficult decisions but also make sure excluded pupils are given
full-time education and do not roam the streets.

“That
is why we have invested £600m since 1999. There are over 300
pupil referral units in England and from September every excluded
pupil will have access to full-time study,” she added.

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